3. The First Invasion
Summary: Calista's ball occurs, but the Gurak crash the party.
Today was the day of the ball where Calista made her formal debut. Sure, she was present at past balls the Count hosted over the years since he took over as ruler, but she'd only shown up briefly since she was merely a child, and simply socialized with a few. At the time, she was only a child, so Arganan didn't keep her stuck in the middle of the party for long.
Since she was making her more formal, official debut into high society, Arganan knew that this ball had to be perfect.
Though he knew it would be anything but. It was highly possible that the dreaded Gurak would arrive today. He had the mercenaries and the gaurds all set up in their proper positions, and now all he could do, as he sat in his chair at the back of the ballroom, was wait for Calista to arrive.
I think I've avoided my doom so far. And as far as I'm aware, things should be fine for now. But Jirall could do something nasty, or the Gurak could arrive, or…
If only not inviting Jirall Rambaldt to the ball was an option. Unfortunately, he had to make a good impression to the nobles of the rest of the Empire, and that included the families closest to the Emperor. Only Jirall out of all the Rambaldts had been able to attend, as his father could not make it due to health issues. It was unfortunate, Arganan supposed, or else hopefully Jirall's own father could have kept him in line.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" one of the servants called. "Presenting, Lady Calista!"
The crowd all turned to see Calista enter the ballroom from the top of the main stairway, and Arganan watched as his niece appeared. She wore a dark, blackish-indigo dress with detachable bell sleeves, an impressive, jeweled necklace adorning her neck. Even though he couldn't see her face well, considering the distance between her and him at opposite ends of the room, he thought he saw her grace a smile on her face as the rest of the ballroom's attendees applauded her arrival. It did not take her long to make it across the ballroom to be by her father's side as the festivities resumed.
He noticed her hands trembling lightly as he looked towards her. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Uncle. Just a little nervous." She offered him a half-hearted smile, before looking out towards the crowds of people. "I'm glad I have you by my side, though."
Their relationship continued to get better over time, since Arganan refused Jirall's attempt to marry her. Not only did they talk often, but Arganan took the opportunity to acclimate Calista to all the political duties and other associated requirements to properly lead Lazulis as best as he could. He knew that it was best for her to be ready whenever possible, should he end up unable to rule for any reason.
Besides, if I do end up doomed despite my best efforts, the least I can do is make sure my niece is prepared for the inevitable.
Arganan scanned the ball with his good eye, taking in all the noble guests, but there were also the mercenaries present. The man with the golden eyes, Dagran, the leader. And by his side was a young man with a feather in his dirty-blond hair, blue eyes glancing around the ballroom awkwardly as he looked down at his hand.
Wait…looking down at his hand?
Was this the man with the mark of the Outsider? What was his name again – Zael?
He didn't get the chance to observe him further as he noticed Calista let out a shaky breath.
"Calista…?"
"I apologize." She swallowed, bowing her head lightly as she looked towards him. "I-I believe I need some air. I'll be back."
"Be careful." He warned her. The words left him before he even thought of them, but Calista offered him a light smile.
"I will be." And with that, she departed to the balcony. Arganan's gaze slowly shifted to the rest of the ballroom, just before he noticed Zael heading for the balcony as well. He was stopped by a guard, the two talking in low voices, just before Dagran came up to try to distract the guard with discussion of his own, muttering something about a change in schedule. As Dagran led the guard off, Zael quickly darted to the balcony.
He won't harm her, will he? Arganan knew that Calista told him, the other night ,that Zael was a good person. No, he wouldn't…he's too nice for that.
And that was when he noticed Jirall headed for the completely unguarded balcony. Fuck.
Arganan got out of his seat and immediately started heading for the balcony. No way in hell was he letting that man near his niece – but he wasn't fast enough to just get physically between Jirall and the balcony. If he didn't have to rely on a cane, maybe he'd be faster. Jirall was already in the balcony area by the time Arganan made it to the doors leading out to it, just in time to hear Zael speak up.
"If she's someone you love, shouldn't you treat her a bit better!?"
It was a voice Arganan both hadn't heard before in reality, but heard in his past visions. And considering who was out there, it was likely Zael addressing Jirall.
As he entered the balcony area, he saw Zael glaring at Jirall, Jirall glaring right back at him, and Calista, absolutely frightened by the scene in front of her.
"What is going on here?" Arganan demanded, frowning. He had a feeling he already knew, but he wanted to see what excuses Jirall came up with this time around.
"This commoner was trying to seduce her, naturally!" Jirall simpered, looking between Arganan, Zael and Calista, his beady red eyes glaring at Zael in particular. "I was doing my best to get her away from his corrupting influence."
"As far as I'm seeing, Lord Jirall," Arganan pointed out, raising a brow, "You're just being a nuisance and Zael was trying to give Calista some space from you."
"What!?' Arganan swallowed lightly as Jirall's glare directed itself towards him. "You dare accuse me of disturbing the peace here!? You're the one that barged in, Count!"
"You're the one being rude, Jirall," Calista spoke up, and Arganan's gaze shot towards his niece. "Zael was only trying to check in on me and see if I was okay. And I trust my uncle was doing the same. But you have been nothing but a nuisance, just as my uncle said."
A gasp left Jirall, and even Zael looked absolutely stunned at seeing Calista speak up for herself.
"What did you say, you wench!?" Jirall's voice rose, and Arganan felt his hands ball into fists. "You and the rest of Lazulis will be nothing without me if you don't take my hand in marriage!"
"My uncle said no, and I also refuse to do so." Calista snapped right back at him. "Just accept that and move on already!"
Before Jirall could open his mouth to say anything else, the castle grounds shook, and screams echoed. Arganan looked up to see ships flying above. It's…
"The Gurak," He breathed, just before he heard Jirall gasp.
"What!?" Jirall's face turned white, eyes bulging from his sockets. "Impossible! They haven't been here in years!"
"The Gurak…?" Zael trailed off, his eyes flickering up to the skies. Several Gurak soldiers jumped down onto the balcony from the airships, and Arganan took out his own sword, bracing himself. Zael also took out his sword, immediately anticipating combat. "Count! Lord Jirall! Get yourselves and Lady Calista to safety!"
"N-no…" Jirall's eyes widened, and Arganan saw him trip and fall to the floor as he turned foot and ran. "No! Save me!"
"What!?" Arganan could only restrain himself from burying his face in his free hand as Jirall immediately abandoned everyone else on the balcony to save himself. That coward! First he tries accusing Zael of doing wrong, and then when trouble shows up, he runs!? I'm just glad I never had Calista engaged to Jirall anymore. Pathetic!
"Uncle, look out!"
Arganan barely ducked one of the Gurak flinging a spell at him as Calista called out, and he heard the buzzing of the cast spell fly over his head. He straightened himself in time to see Zael slash at the spellcaster, before downing several more soldiers with quick footwork and swordplay. Even though he was young, probably about Calista's age if not slightly older, he was an experienced warrior, befitting of a mercenary.
"Thank you," The Count breathed. His good eye scanned Calista and Zael before looking towards the downed soldiers. "Are both of you okay?"
Zael seemed a bit surprised at being addressed but nodded quickly. "I'm fine, sir."
"I'm okay." Calista managed, before she looked towards Zael. "Hold out your arm, please?"
"Uh…okay." As Zael did so, Arganan noticed Calista use her familiar healing magic, and he smiled with pride. When it comes to magic, no one can rival House Arganan. At least Calista was incredibly proficient in magic, unlike him. She'd be fine. "Thanks."
"The Gurak haven't attacked us in decades," Arganan heard Calitsa murmur as she looked towards him, frowning. "Why now?"
"I don't know." Arganan admitted, "But I think we best see what's going on in the rest of the castle. The rest of our guests and everyone else need our help right now!"
If this was how bad things looked out here, what about inside? He just hoped none of the other guests in the castle were harmed…
The three rushed into the ballroom to see a whole chaotic scene unfolding – guests were fleeing, assisted by knights, while other knights fought the Gurak. Among them were General Asthar and Sir Therius, who downed several Gurak with ease.
"Lady Calista, Count Arganan!" Asthar flashed a light grin towards them as he took down one of the Gurak, then another with a swing of his sword. "I am relieved that you are both well!"
"I think it's more prudent to worry about the Gurak right now!" Calista shot a Holy spell at a few Gurak soldiers, and then another spell at a few more soldiers. "Be careful!"
Arganan sent healing magic towards some fellow injured mages, before healing Asthar and Therius.
"You have my thanks!" Asthar called to the Count, before cutting down a few more Gurak. With everyone working together, it didn't take long for the rest of the Gurak to go down.
"General, this area is secure." Therius spoke, before looking towards Asthar. "We should protect the Count…"
Arganan looked towards Therius. "If you are suggesting that I stay separate from my niece until the Gurak are done invading this area, then I won't." he spoke quickly. When I was separated from her, she got kidnapped by the Gurak! If I can prevent that…then the whole mess with Jirall later accusing the mercenaries of kidnapping Calista can't happen!
"But it would be harder for the Gurak to take both of us if we're separate, Uncle." Calista insisted, her gaze snapping towards him. "Are you sure?"
"I know I'm not nearly as proficient in magic as you are. But," Arganan's good eye made contact with hers, "I have healing magic. I can back up you and Zael in battle." He looked towards Asthar, taking a deep breath. "I appreciate you looking out for my and my niece's safety, General, but can you focus on securing the rest of the castle from the invading Gurak? And…protect Lord Jirall, should you happen to find him. I believe he ran to safety during the Gurak first invading this area, but I can't be too sure."
He wished he could ask Asthar to leave Jirall to die, but that would be a bit rude and a bit much, even if Arganan heavily disliked Jirall at this point. Plus, he didn't want families too close to the Emperor being miffed at him over their own family members dying during a ball, of all times, even if the Gurak invasion was sudden.
"Understood, Count." Asthar bowed lightly, before he and Therius started heading to enter the rest of the castle. He then paused, before looking towards Zael. "What's your name, lad?"
Zael blinked, his own eyes snapping towards Asthar's own. "Zael, sir."
Asthar raised a brow, glancing towards Zael's glowing hand. "And that strange power…can I rely on it?"
The younger man nodded. "Yes, Sir! I can control it!"
"A good answer. Just do not let it become a crutch. I leave both the Count and Lady Calista in your care." Asthar smiled, before he and Therius swiftly left.
"We should head through the upstairs." Calista managed. "There's a connecting bridge that can take us closer to the Great Hall from there."
"Right." Arganan nodded – he knew this castle's layout well, considering that he and Calista lived here all their lives. "I'll lead the way!"
As the three made their way upstairs, they passed by the main area containing the bedchambers of the castle's residents, and Calista paused in front of one door in particular.
"Wait! This is my room." Calista looked towards her uncle and Zael quickly, eyes wide. "Is it possible I can change quickly?"
"Change?" Arganan's good eye widened. "Now?"
"It'll be quick, I promise!" She insisted.
"Well…" It wasn't like she could run around in the dress she had on too well, could she? Her current attire was far from good enough for battle, especially if it was the Gurak they were encountering. A resigned sigh left him. "Very well. But quickly!"
"I'll be sure of it!" And with that, Calista dashed into her room and closed the door. Arganan sighed, before looking towards Zael. Since he and Zael were stuck here waiting for Calista, he might as well see how aware Zael was of his new abilities.
"Your hand, it glowed earlier…." Arganan took a quick breath, before asking, "Are you aware of the power you hold?"
"The Outsider?" Zael looked down at his right hand, and then up at him, clearing his throat. "Pardon me for asking, but…do you know about this well?"
"To an extent, yes." Before Arganan could explain further, that was when Calista exited her room, now dressed in armor and outfits befitting of a mage in battle than a Countess-to-be attending a party. "Calista - That was quick." I guess I'll just have to tell Zael more about it later.
Calista smiled at him. "I told you I'd be fast. Let's go!"
The trio made their way through the castle, and Arganan knew it would be harder for the Gurak to reach her if Calista was outside of the castle, rather than in it.
They were almost outside the castle at this rate – after fighting past several Gurak and helping other mages and knights take down their opponents, Arganan knew they were getting close to the castle's main exit.
Did I do it? Are we going to be safe…? Will Calista not be kidnapped?
The Great Hall's glass ceiling shattered, and a tall, broad figure fell to the ground, landing perfectly on his feet. His wild red hair was braided, and he had a kingly presence to him. His armor, though elaborate in design, was thick, a dark black, and perfect for battle. Arganan noticed that this figure's right arm glowed an orangey-red, similar to how Zael's hand glowed blue in battle.
"Calista, Count Arganan– stay back!" Zael took out his sword, pointing it at the new Gurak. "This one isn't like the others."
"You dare stand in the way of a king? A foolish endeavor, boy." The Gurak's voice was strangely echoey, and Arganan shuddered as he Zael kept his sword raised and pointed at him.
"King?" He heard Zael gasp. "You're the King of the Gurak?"
"Indeed. Know that I am Zangurak, King of the Gurak."
Zael gritted his teeth, holding his sword a little tighter as he stepped forward. "King or not, I won't let you get away with this! It ends right now!"
"Zael!" Calista gasped, about to warn him, but it was too late.
Zael charged towards Zangurak, but Zangurak was far too fast and powerful, knocking the sword out of his hands before knocking him down entirely. Some of the Lazulis Knights noticed and ran over, all of them trying to move in on Zangurak.
"Lady Calista! Count Arganan! Please escape when you can!" One of the knights called.
"Filthy beast," Another knight hissed, pointing his sword at Zangurak, "If you so lay a hand on Lady Calista…"
The knights all ran at Zangurak at once, hoping to get a good strike in on him, but Arganan felt his stomach churn as Zangurak simply batted them out of the way with a wave of his arm. As all the knights hit the ground, he knew they were out cold instantly. He sucked in a breath, moving to stand in front of Calista.
"Calista, run." He told her. "Get out of here. Take Zael with you and get out of here!" There was still a chance, he reasoned. Still enough time for him to maybe buy some time for her. She could at least escape, or hide, or something, anything – just as long as she wasn't kidnapped.
"What? No!" Calista's eyes widened as she shook her head. "I-I can't just leave you here, Uncle. I refuse to!"
"It's my fault on insisting that we go together." He managed, shaking his head. "I should've known better." I should've ordered more knights to be with us than just Zael, or even one of the mercenaries. It could have made all the difference. "Get out of here!"
Before Calista could speak up, two new Gurak appeared, each on a knee in front of Zangurak as they faced him. One of them glowed red, and the other glowed blue, but both of them looked like exact copies of each other if not for their long, ash-blond-to-white hair being styled just differently enough.
"My liege," The red-glowing one spoke, "The knights are rallying their forces."
The blue-glowing one added, "Amongst them two knights who may prove to be bothersome."
Two knights? Arganan looked between Zangurak and his two henchmen. Are they referring to General Asthar and Sir Therius?
Arganan wished he and Calista could make a run for it – but he knew it was too late. With three powerful Gurak surrounding them and Zael being unconscious, there was no way escape was an option at this point.
"Really?" Zangurak seemed mildly surprised, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Worthy adversaries who are human? Did you find the Outsider?"
"No, sire." The red-glowing managed. "We did not."
"It is of no consequence," Zangurak managed, shaking his head. "This was merely a test. Prepare to withdraw."
"A test?" Arganan heard Calista gasp. "A-a test for what?"
Zangurak ignored her question, looking her in the eye. "If you value the boy's life, and that of your uncle's, come with me."
"No!" The word left Arganan's throat first as he looked towards Zangurak. "Take me instead! Wouldn't I be of more value…?"
"Uncle!" He felt Calista grab his right arm as he looked towards her, and he saw tears in the corners of her eyes. "Not you, too! I can't let them harm you or Zael any further!"
"I don't want you to be taken by them."
"But…" Calista swallowed, before shaking her head, letting go with him. "I'll go with them. Just make sure Zael is okay!"
"Calista!"
No. It couldn't end this way! As Calista hesitantly walked towards Zangurak's side, Arganan moved to go after her – only to be blocked by the red-glowing Gurak soldier that served Zangurak, leering down at him.
"She has made her choice." He spoke, and Arganan noticed Calista look back at Arganan worriedly as she started heading up the main staircase with Zangurak.
"What do we do with the other one?" The red-glowing Gurak spoke, and Arganan realized that they were talking about him.
Was this it? Arganan's gaze snapped towards Zangurak, holding back a breath. Am I going to die here? It didn't seem like he was needed, and if they really were taking Calista, then…
Zangurak paused in his pace, before he turned and looked Arganan in the eye. A low chuckle left him, and Arganan frowned. "You have guts," The Gurak King spoke, "Trying to sacrifice yourself in her place." He then glanced towards his henchman before speaking. "Put him out cold."
A blunt force hit Arganan in the side of his head as he heard Calista cry out, and everything turned dark instantly.
"…Arganan? Count…?"
Arganan's good eye opened in time to see Zael and Dagran hovering above him.
"Curses…" Arganan swallowed, only to cough thanks to the burning air around him. Hands helped him sit up, and he blinked several times to let his vision turn back to normal. As relieved as he was to know that he was still alive, there was one other thing -
"Calista! Where is she!?" Arganan's gaze darted towards Dagran as the mercenary helped him fully stand. "Did you see her at all?"
Dagran's brows furrowed. "No, Count. It was just you and Zael by the time I got here. I woke up Zael first before you."
"Damn it!" Arganan moved to stand, and with Dagran's help, he did. "We have to go after her. Zangurak must have taken her."
"That's what I was thinking as well, Count." Zael cleared his throat lightly, before asking, "Do you know which way they were headed, before you passed out?"
"I saw them start to go up the staircase…I know there's a cliffside beach beyond the back of the castle building, through the east gate." Arganan stretched his neck from one side to the other, trying to get rid of any soreness there. "Zangurak spoke about preparing his troops to withdraw. His main ship is probably in that area."
"We'll go after them, Count." Dagran managed, looking towards the Count. His golden eyes met Arganan's own. "You can count on us. If I may suggest – it would be best if you stayed back here at the castle for your own safety."
Arganan knew that he could go with them, insist on it even, but he might only slow them down at this point. And the sooner that Zael and Dagran got Calista back, the better.
"Just–" He choked out, "Be careful. Both of you. And bring her back!"
"Yes, sir!" Zael and Dagran headed in the direction of the castle's east gate, and Arganan knew that he could only hope that they would return soon, alive and well. That Calista would be fine. Arganan knew that he could trust these mercenaries – and he knew Zael would be determined enough to bring Calista back, at least.
The fighting was starting to die down, thanks to the Gurak starting to retreat. Arganan did what he could to organize all the remaining troops to make sure the rest of the castle was secure, that the ball attendees were unharmed, and he had some servants start to inspect the damage in the castle as well. As Arganan made his way through the castle to check on the extent of the damage and anything else that needed attending to, Arganan overheard someone yelling.
"What the bloody hell are you talkin' about!?" A woman's voice rang through the Great hall, and Arganan walked into the hall to see Syrenne and Lowell being grabbed by pairs of guards, Jirall smirking as he folded his arms in front of his chest. "We weren't working with the Gurak!"
"I saw you two." Jirall sniped, before his gaze snapped towards Arganan, a too-calm smile playing on his lips. "Ah. Count, just in time! I saw these two mercenaries working with the Gurak, and…"
Arganan straight-up ignored Jirall, looking towards the guards with a snap in his own voice.
"Release them at once!" The guards looked stunned, and Arganan frowned, a light sigh leaving him. "Neither of these mercenaries have done anything wrong, despite Lord Jirall's accusations."
"Do you have proof?" Jirall simpered, and Arganan's brow furrowed as he looked towards the other with the best glare he could muster.
"I heard from many other knights that they were fighting the Gurak earlier, in contrast to your own statements. You may want to reconsider giving false accusations, Lord Jirall." Arganan gave his best warning tone. "Though I am just as concerned for Lady Calista's safety, even more than you, it's unreasonable to be order arrests without any proper reason or truth behind them."
"Rrgh!" Jirall was about to hiss, but shook his head, clearly resigned. "Very well, Count. I suppose you have a point."
The guards released the two mercenaries immediately, and Arganan looked towards both of them. Neither of them looked in the best shape, considering the fight that they went through earlier, but he did see their eyes look a tad less weary and more relieved at the assistance. Jirall, meanwhile, skulked off to who-knows-where, but Arganan didn't bother paying attention as he observed the two mercenaries in front of him.
"Here, let me heal you." Arganan took a deep breath, holding up his right hand, and cast a healing circle for them both to stand in. "I apologize for the earlier inconvenience."
"Huh…?" The red-haired woman's eyes widened. Arganan doubted that her past employers ever bothered to offer her medical help, let alone healing spells post-battle.
"Thanks." The blond man smiled at Arganan wryly. "Not everyday that your own boss steps in like that, you know. How nice of you."
"You're welcome." Arganan managed, before looking around. None of the other mercs were with them – nor was Dagran and Zael.
I haven't seen Dagran and Zael. Or Calista. Are they…?
"Have either of you seen Dagran or Zael?" Arganan asked them. "They were with me earlier, and I sent them to retrieve Calista when the Gurak King, Zangurak, took her."
"Zael?" The woman's eyes widened, before she looked towards the man by her side. "We lost sight of 'em earlier while we were guarding the castle from other Gurak, right Lowell?"
"You're right, Syrenne. They mentioned going after Lady Calista." Lowell scratched the side of his head, before wincing. "They were heading towards that beach just outside of the castle gate…"
Arganan looked towards the guards that had just finished freeing Lowell and Syrenne. "You heard them! Investigate the cliffside beach, immediately! If Calista and anyone else is there, bring them back here now."
Maybe they were just delayed because they were injured. Calista could just be tending to them before they got back, right? Or were they…? Arganan swallowed. He hoped they weren't dead.
"Y-yes sir!" The guards rushed off to attend to their task, Jirall slinking away elsewhere, before Arganan looked towards Syrenne and Lowell again, sucking in a breath.
"I hope, for our sakes, that my niece and your companions are alive and well." He managed. "I'd be worried if I were you."
"Already am." Syrenne muttered, shaking her head as her nose wrinkled. "And Yurick and Mirania got taken by the Gurak, too. At least, I think that's the case – I haven't seen them since the Gurak struck."
"Neither have I." Lowell managed, frowning.
Yurick and Mirania? Arganan wracked his mind trying to recall those two. Wasn't Yurick that one with the eyepatch, while Mirania wore all black and had a feather in her hair? He hadn't talked to them much before his demise, either, so he didn't exactly know what they were like as people, much like how he hadn't interacted with Syrenne and Lowell until now.
"I can have my guards search the castle for your companions in case." He managed. "It's possible they could just be elsewhere." At least, he hoped that was the case.
"Wait, actually?" Syrenne seemed legitimately stunned by this offer, and Arganan nodded quickly.
"Of course. It would be a shame if your companions were harmed by the Gurak and in need of medical assistance like you both were." Or what if Jirall had gotten those two arrested for no good reason, just like he tried to do to Syrenne and Lowell!? That would be even worse, in a way.
"We appreciate it." Lowell managed quickly.
As Arganan ordered a few guards to help Syrenne and Lowell search for their friends, he could only hope that the guards found their friends, and Calista, safe and well.
